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CDL Age Requirements Guide

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cdl age requirements

Hold old do you have to be to drive trucks? Your age is a factor if you want a career in professional truck driving. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what the age rules are in each state so you can start your CDL career. Whether you’re 18, 21, or older, this article will outline the CDL age limit in the U.S.

Truck Driving Age Limit

FMCSA sets age limits for commercial drivers for the following reasons:

  • Experience: Driving a large commercial vehicle requires a different skill set than driving a standard passenger vehicle. Young, inexperienced drivers may lack the experience needed to handle a commercial motor vehicle safely, especially in hazardous driving conditions.
  • Responsibility: Operating a commercial vehicle is an immense responsibility that involves transporting cargo and ensuring public safety. The FMCSA wants to ensure that drivers have reached an age of maturity and judgment before obtaining a CDL.
  • Insurance: Insurance companies consider younger commercial drivers to be at higher risk, so they often charge higher premiums.

The age limits are meant to produce safe, responsible truck drivers. While the rules may seem restrictive, they aim to benefit both drivers and the trucking industry in the long run.

CDL Age Requirements by State

The minimum age to apply for a CDL license varies in each state. The legal age to drive intrastate (within the state) in most states is 18-years-old, while the minimum age for interstate (between states) driving is 21 years of age. The minimum age restriction to transport hazardous materials and transport passengers is also 21 years old.

While federal regulations establish a minimum age of 21 for interstate driving, each state can set its own minimum age for intrastate driving. The specifics of CDL age requirements, permits, and license classes can differ in each state. Be sure to check with your state’s DMV for the details on their CDL program and age limits.

CDL Legal Age by StateDrive Intrastate (within state)Drive Interstate (between states)Transport Hazardous Materials / PassengersOther Age Restrictions
Alabama18 years old21 years old21 years old
Alaska18 years old21 years old21 years old
Arizona18 years old21 years old21 years old
Arkansas18 years old21 years old21 years old
California18 years old21 years old21 years old
Colorado18 years old21 years old21 years old
Connecticut18 years old21 years old21 years old
Delaware18 years old21 years old21 years old
Florida18 years old21 years old21 years old
Georgia18 years old21 years old21 years old
Hawaii21 years old 21 years old21 years old
Idaho18 years old21 years old21 years old
Illinois18 years old21 years old18 years old to transport hazardous materials within Illinois; 21 years old to transport hazardous materials into another state / transport passengers.
Indiana18 years old21 years old21 years old
Iowa18 years old21 years old21 years old
Kansas18 years old21 years old21 years old
Kentucky18 years old21 years old21 years old
Louisiana18 years old21 years old21 years old
Maine16 years old21 years old21 years old
Maryland18 years old21 years old21 years old
Massachusetts18 years old21 years old21 years old
Michigan18 years old21 years old21 years old
Minnesota18 years old21 years old21 years old
Mississippi17 years old 21 years old21 years old
Missouri18 years old21 years old21 years old
Montana18 years old21 years old21 years old
Nebraska18 years old21 years old21 years old
Nevada18 years old 21 years old21 years old25 years old to drive vehicle combinations over 70 feet in length
New Hampshire18 years old 21 years old21 years old
New Jersey18 years old 21 years old21 years old
New Mexico18 years old 21 years old21 years old
New York18 years old 21 years old21 years old
North Carolina18 years old 21 years old21 years old
North Dakota18 years old 21 years old21 years old
Ohio18 years old 21 years old21 years old
Oklahoma18 years old 21 years old21 years old
Oregon18 years old 21 years old21 years old
Pennsylvania18 years old 21 years old21 years old
Rhode Island18 years old 21 years old21 years old
South Carolina18 years old 21 years old21 years old
South Dakota18 years old 21 years old21 years old
Tennessee18 years old 21 years old21 years old
Texas18 years old 21 years old21 years old
Utah18 years old 21 years old21 years old
Vermont18 years old 21 years old21 years old
Virginia18 years old 21 years old21 years old
Washington18 years old 21 years old21 years old
West Virginia18 years old 21 years old21 years old
Wisconsin18 years old 21 years old21 years old
Wyoming18 years old 21 years old21 years old

CDL Licensing Requirements from State-to-State

To get your CDL, you’ll need to meet your state’s age requirement, have a clean driving record, pass knowledge written tests and driving skills tests, and provide proof of identity and residency. The specific types of ID and documents needed differ in each state.

A Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) is also required before you can take the CDL driving test. The permit allows you to practice driving with a licensed CDL holder. You’ll need to study the CDL manual to prepare for the general knowledge test on vehicle inspections, safe driving skills, and road signs.

Passing the required tests and meeting minimum qualifications will allow you to obtain your CDL. Double-check with your state’s DMV on their precise CDL application steps and requirements to ensure you have everything in order before applying.

Is There a Maximum Age for Truck Drivers?

There is no strict maximum age limit for truck drivers in the United States in general. As commercial drivers age, their risk factors for accidents do increase. Therefore, the FMCSA require additional medical exams and certifications for drivers over a certain age.

Some states also have specific age requirements for license renewal. For example, Connecticut allows drivers 65 and older to renew for 2 years instead of every 6 years for younger drivers.

Some trucking companies may also have their own internal policies regarding maximum driver age, often between 65 and 70 years old. Companies consider factors like driving experience, safety record, and health in determining if they will continue to employ older drivers. Seasoned, skilled drivers with a clean record may face fewer restrictions.

What CDL Jobs Can You Get at 18?

At 18 years of age, you have a few options for CDL jobs. Some of the entry-level roles perfect for new CDL holders include:

Local Delivery Driver. As a delivery driver, you’ll transport goods and packages between locations. Many companies hire drivers as young as 18 to deliver everything from pizzas to auto parts. The job typically only requires a regular Class C license but some may prefer applicants with a CDL.

Truck Loader/Unloader. If you want to get started in the transportation industry without driving, consider working as a truck loader or unloader. You’ll work as part of a team to load and unload cargo from 18-wheelers and other large trucks. It’s an active job but requires no special license. You can gain valuable experience in a trucking hub or warehouse.

Bus Driver. Some transit companies and school districts hire bus drivers as young as 18 with a CDL and passenger transport endorsement. You’ll drive buses to transport people over specified routes. The job provides a steady schedule and work close to home.

At What Age Can You Get a High Paying CDL Job?

Most trucking firms require experience before they hand you the keys to their big rigs to drive. Some trucking companies want 2-5 years of experience driving commercial vehicles. This is mostly due to insurance costs – mature drivers tend to be more responsible and have cleaner driving records, which means experienced and older CDL drivers cost the company less to insure. Between 22-25 years of age, tend to be the minimum age that employers look to hire and pay well to drive their tractor trailers, tankers, combo vehicles, etc.

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